A super-tough Dundee schoolgirl is quickly fighting her way to the top of the world’s kickboxing charts.
Lily Valentine picked up the Grand Champion belt at the recent English Open Championships.
The 14-year-old is part of the city’s hugely successful Skyaxe Fight team that has trained dozens of champions - both young and old.
The group is led by 8th Dan fighter Paul Kean and his professional boxer son, also Paul, but they also have local teachers and other professional workers on their team of super-dedicated coaches.
And last Sunday all their hard work paid off with a stunning cross-border raid to England when they collected a huge haul of trophies and medals.
They travelled with a huge squad of 47 fighters, eight coaches and bucket loads of parents to Barnsley for the World Kickboxing Organisation championships.
The team was made up of beginners at their first tournament to seasoned fighters with ages ranging from five to over 40.
Lily won the overall Grand Champion belt while young Billy Thomson the best overall male.
The team couldn’t perform as well as it did without local sponsorship and there has been considerable fundraising on going with numerous local business helping out.
They also won the best overall club with six of the fighters being in the top 10 individuals.
As well as Lily there are some other amazing young fighters in the squad:
- Lily's brother, Callum, is a world champion, has Olympic ambitions and managed to get 5 A Highers.
- Brandon Donnan an apprentice blacksmith is European and World Champion.
- Shaun Parkin, full-time coach for children is a European and world champ and is an Olympic hopeful.
- Darcy McIntosh European and World Champion.
- Amber Thomson, World Champion.
Speaking about the tournament, Lily’s dad, Sandy, said: “She has competed in kickboxing since the age of four.
“She has fought in America, Portugal, Ireland, Germany and throughout the UK and previously won multiple world and national titles.
“Lilys determination has always been to be better than her brother - she has always been competitive.”
- More information on the Skyaxe team can be found on their website here and their Facebook page here.
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